Congress approved legislation that includes $100 million in aid to rural areas.

The timber money was included in a bill unanimously passed by the House Wednesday that is mostly aimed at heading off a looming shortage of helium, which is used in several manufacturing processes.

The bill now bounces back to the Senate, which passed an almost identical version last week, for approval of minor changes. It is expected to be approved easily in the next few days and sent to President Barack Obama for his signature.